Monthly Archives: August 2015

On August 11, MultiCare workers from Covington Emergency Department in Washington state, voted to join UFCW Local 21. With a union voice, the health care workers will now have the tools to provide better quality care to patients and support each other in the workplace. Key issues that were important to workers include job security and protections, cost-of-living increases and yearly step increases, labor management committees to address staffing concerns, and affordable benefits.

For years, the current UFCW 21 members at MultiCare have been pushing for a fair process for workers to be able to join and stay in their union. In the 2015 negotiations, the nearly 2,000 current members kept pushing for this as an integral part to the negotiations. During a negotiation session in early May, Covington ED worker Rebecca Anley came to a to talk with the bargaining team and thank them for “standing with us” at Covington ED.

The win is a result of the team effort between current members working closely with interested workers and the strong support from the community. By working together, members won the conduct agreement that included the community election provision in the contract. This, and the courage of the workers at Covington are what helped bring about this organizing win.

MultiCare Health System is a not-for-profit health care organization based in Tacoma, Wash., that made over $700 Million in profit in the last three years. It is the largest private sector employer in Pierce County, Wash.

On August 17, the Indianapolis City-County Council voted 15-14 to pass a resolution supporting the creation of a “Retail Workers Bill of Rights.” The Lift Retail Jobs campaign, a coalition of retail workers, local businesses, and community groups, has been advocating for this resolution to promote full-time work, fair scheduling practices, affordable benefits, and a pathway to the middle class.

“Here in Indianapolis, the retail industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy and a major employer of women and people of color. But unfortunately, many of these jobs are low-wage, part-time positions with erratic hours that are preventing retail workers from climbing up the economic ladder,” said Mary Kate Dugan, executive director of Central Indiana Jobs with Justice.

“A Retail Workers Bill of Rights would change that by promoting full-time work, access to hours, paid sick leave, and other protections for both full- and part-time workers,” Dugan said.

Shaunteka Campbell has worked a variety of retail and fast food jobs for the past 15 years. She called the vote a “step in the right direction.”

“I’m happy that the resolution passed and proud that many of our City-County Councilors stood with us,” said Campbell. “But our work isn’t done. We’re going to keep fighting for good jobs and a living wage for all retail workers in this city. And we’re going to win because we’re committed and we’re growing.”

For more information about the Lift Retail Jobs campaign, visit www.LiftRetailJobs.org.